Mysuru: A day-long workshop on ‘Consumer awareness’ for School Head Masters organised by the District Consumer Information Centre began at the Institution of Engineers on JLB road here this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop, P. Shivanna, Joint Director, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Mysuru, said that there were provisions in the Constitution for protecting the rights of consumers in respect of Goods and Services and also many other Acts that safeguard the rights of consumers.

Stressing on the need for educating the consumers on their rights, he said that it is better that consumer awareness start in schools and as such, the Government has set up Consumer Clubs in schools with an initial grant of Rs. 10,000 to every school.

Pointing out that 20 schools are selected in a district every year for setting up Consumer Clubs, Shivanna said school students upon learning about consumer awareness, can educate their family members and other people in the neighbourhood on consumer rights.

Explaining the functions of Consumer Clubs, he said that debates, discussions, contests and other such consumer activities will be part of it with active involvement of school children and teachers.

Highlighting the role of the Clubs in spreading consumer awareness in the backdrop of rising consumer complaints and grievances, he said that the Clubs act as motivators.

Noting that the Government is planning to include topics on consumer rights, explaining who actually is a consumer, how they get cheated, how consumer grievances can be addressed etc., he regretted that consumer activities had reached only 50 percent of the population nationally.

He also emphasised on the need for spreading awareness among all sections of the society focusing on rural areas.

Head Masters from 20 schools across the district are taking part in this workshop, which concludes this evening.

Department of Public Instruction official Dr. Krishnamurthy, Institution of Engineers (India) Mysuru Chapter Chairman Dr. Suresh, JSS Law College Principal Dr.Nataraj, Human Rights Activist from Kuvempunagar G.R. Vidyaranya, Akhila Bharatiya Grahaka Parishat, Mysuru Unit President H.R. Sundareshan and others were present.